Interferon suppresses antigen- and mitogen-induced leukocyte migration inhibition

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Abstract
Although first recognized by its effect on virus–cell interactions, interferon (IFN)1 has a variety of other effects2. It can affect cell proliferation3,4, modify the immune response at several levels5, enhance the cytotoxic action of lymphocytes6–9, suppress antibody formation10 and inhibit the development of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions11,12. Therefore we have now tested the effect of interferon on leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI), regarded as the counterpart in vitro of DTH in humans13. We have found that IFN suppresses both mitogen-and antigen-induced LMI, acting directly on the granulocytes but also affecting the lymphokine production of the lymphocytes.